Desert Island Tricks
Each week we invite one of the biggest guests in the world of magic to maroon themselves on a desert island. They are allowed to take with them 8 tricks, 1 book, 1 banishment and 1 non magic item that they use for magic! We discuss their 'can't live without' lists and why those items were chosen.
Episodes are uploaded every Friday and are available via all Podcast service providers!
To find out more about the team behind Desert Island Tricks, please visit: www.alakazam.co.uk
Episodes
104 episodes
Rich Relish
What does a magician do when a spectator wants to read their mind instead of having their own mind read? In a delightful twist shared by Welsh mentalist Rich Relish, he decided to play along, and was shocked when the spectator correctly divined...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 24
•
1:03:06
Neil Henry
Neil Henry, master of viral magic videos and unforgettable pranks, invites us into his world where play isn't just entertainment, it’s a pathway to possibility.From his early days selling tricks at Covent Garden's Magic Cave to creating ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 23
•
1:31:24
Chris North
Magic's unpredictability takes centre stage in this captivating conversation with Chris North, celebrating his 60th year in show business and what an incredible career he’s had. From borrowing rings that go flying during rough seas to audience ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 22
•
55:40
Leo Smetsers
When your name appears in someone's phone as "Crazy Leo," there's a story behind it. Leo Smetsers, a Dutch magical phenomenon who's been mystifying audiences for over three decades, brings his boundless energy and innovative thinking to this ca...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 21
•
56:21
Nikola Arkane
In this week’s episode, Nikola Arkane reveals the theatrical foundations that elevate her performances from mere tricks to captivating experiences. With a background in drama from Queen's University, Nikola brings a unique perspective to magica...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 20
•
1:10:40
Russ Stevens
Ever wondered who's behind the mind-blowing magic that captivates millions on Britain's Got Talent? Meet Russ Stevens, the unsung hero orchestrating magical moments for one of television's biggest shows. In this riveting conversation, Russ pull...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 19
•
1:25:39
Oliver Tabor
This week we welcome Oliver Tabor, FISM European champion and creator of the acclaimed West End Magic show to the Alakazam Island. In this captivating conversation, Oliver reveals the eight magical effects that have defined his remarkable caree...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 18
•
1:19:24
Looch
What does it take to become a master mentalist? According to Looch, it's not about shortcuts, it’s about experience, dedication, and truly understanding your craft.On this episode of Desert Island Tricks, mentalism expert Looch unpacks t...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 17
•
1:51:30
Phill Smith
This week we welcome the incredible Phill Smith, one of magic's most prolific creative forces. His fingerprints are on countless books, decks, and products in the magic industry - and anyone who's seen his Penguin Lecture knows his creativity e...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 16
•
1:08:32
Michael Ammar
Magic happens only in the mind of the spectator—this profound insight forms the core of our extraordinary conversation with magic legend Michael Ammar. Fresh from his UK lecture tour, Michael joined us in the studio to share the eight effects h...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 15
•
1:33:00
Noel Qualter
What makes a magic trick truly unforgettable? For Noel Qualter, it's creating moments that make spectators exclaim, "That's the weirdest, craziest thing I'll remember for a long time!" This philosophy has guided his remarkable career from three...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 14
•
1:26:32
Kay Dyson
What happens when a career-threatening injury forces a flying trapeze artist to reinvent herself? For Kay Dyson, it meant becoming "Miss Magic”, a transformation that has led to performances for celebrities like Victoria Beckham and The Rolling...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 13
•
1:30:15
Jonathan Goodwin
Ever wondered what it's like to perform magic for the Queen? Or how about orchestrating a death-defying stunt where a car explosion nearly takes down a helicopter with a celebrity inside? Jonathan Goodwin, the legendary escape artist and stunt ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 12
•
1:36:15
Roddy McGhie
Step into the wonderfully whimsical world of Roddy McGhie, where card boxes mysteriously grow tiny doors and silver laptops transform into signed playing cards. In this captivating conversation, Roddy reveals how his distinctively offbeat appro...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 11
•
1:30:38
Iain Bailey
What happens when a professional electrician turns his workplace tools into instruments of wonder? Iain Bailey reveals how his day job has become the perfect foundation for creating authentic, practical magic that resonates with audiences every...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 10
•
54:18
Stranded with a Stranger: Geoff Weber
Magician Geoff Weber discusses his carefully curated collection in this fascinating deep dive into a professional's most treasured magical tools.With over 25 years of experience and credits including published effects like X-Finger, Geof...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 26
•
14:09
Marc Paul
Marc Paul is a legend in the world of magic and mentalism and in this episode, he takes us on a fascinating journey through his world of professional mentalism with an insightful conversation about the routines that have defined his illustrious...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 9
•
2:11:56
Mark Bennett
Step behind the curtain with Mark Bennett, the brilliantly funny owner of Smoke and Mirrors Comedy and Magic Theatre Pub in Bristol, as he reveals the eight magic effects that would accompany him to a desert island.Mark's journey through...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 8
•
1:27:35
Stranded with a Stranger: William Poliet
William Poliet takes us on a magical journey spanning two decades of professional performance across France and the UK. As President of the Coventry Magic Circle and Warwickshire’s regional representative for The Magic Circle, William's careful...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 25
•
22:42
Dave Loosley
Dave Loosely, fresh from his victory as the Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of the Year 2025, reveals his definitive list in this captivating conversation about the effects that truly matter.Dave begins by taking us behind the scenes of h...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 7
•
1:25:50
Alan Rorrison
Meet one of Scotland's most creative magical minds as Alan Rorrison takes us through the eight effects he couldn't live without. Known for his prolific creativity and innovative approach to magic, Alan reveals how his performance style has evol...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 6
•
1:15:01
Harri Harrington (Lord Harri)
Lord Harri's journey through magic is as colourful and unpredictable as his Desert Island Tricks selections. After a technical mishap with his original recording, Harri returns with a refreshed perspective that perfectly captures his playful, v...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 5
•
57:58
John Archer
In this weeks episode, comedy magic legend John Archer takes us on an unexpected journey through his magical influences and philosophy. Rather than showcasing his signature repertoire, John reveals the eight effects he'd take to a desert island...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 4
•
1:29:17
Stranded with a Stranger: Steven Mills
Steven Mills brings sixty years of magical wisdom to "Stranded with a Stranger," offering a masterclass in practical performance choices that stand the test of time. His philosophy cuts through modern magic's endless novelty: "You are foolin...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 24
•
17:10